I have a 1999, 2500 truck, four wheel drive with the cummins 24 valve, with stick shift tranny. When driving down a very steep grade doing around sixty five miles an hour with the exhaust brake engaged there is a very loud bang and the truck shakes. Sounds like metal on metal contact, and can feel the floor shake through my feet. Has only happened twice in more than six months, when it happens I slow down and disengage exhaust brake and it does not happen again. I was thinking maybe motor mount. Talked to a friend that worked for the dodge dealer specializing in trucks. The only thing he could think of was the chain in the transfer case jumping a tooth. Has anyone else had problems with this, or symptoms like this, or some ideas that may help?

 

does it happen when u don't engage the e-brake?

 

Do you have a long bed with the 2-piece driveshaft?

Check for a worn-out carrier bearing...

 

The noise does not occur when the exhaust brake in not engaged. Yes this is a long bed. I have checked the carrier bearing, how tight should this be, if I really hang on the drive shaft the carrier bearing will slop maybe 1/8 inch.

 

Interesting problem. The only thing that comes to mind is the motor mounts. Let us know when you finally locate the problem.

 

Your carrier bearing should be fine - must be the exhaust brake, since the noise is only evident when it's engaged.

 

Has anyone had a problem with the chain in their transfer case jumping a tooth, what were the symptoms and how did you track it down.

 

Ive never heard of a t case in a dodge jumping a gear, but for that 2 happen youd basically have 2 be in 4wd as that would b the only time that the transfercase has any pressure on it, but reading your post i dont imagine that is the case. I think that the transfer case isnt your problem, maybe the tranny?

 

I dont know about the dodges, havent ben there yet, but in chevys it could be the t-case. but I thought the t-cases were about the same between chev and dodge?

 

its related to your exhaust brake...do check your driveshaft U-joints though...does it happen if you apply or don;t apply the brakes? is that a factor?...

 

I think it may be the truck trying to kick you in the ****...you know how they can be...these CTD's are made for pulling UPHILL, not coasting DOWN - that is what Ferd's are made for!!

 

When it happens I tap the gas pedal, that disengages the exhaust brake and get on the brakes slowing down makes it stop. Will try to call the dealer this week and talk to a service technician. Am not expecting much help from these guys, but they may be able to refer me to someone that knows more about these trucks.

 

I was pulling my horse trailer home from an event and heard/felt a loud "clunk or shudder" -- I pulled over looking for a blown tire or anything obvious, found nothing, drove home with no other issues. I was headed into town the next week trailer & horses in tow and my transfer case just went away with no other warning. Luckily a friend was in town with his CTD & towed my whole outfit to the event and then home. So bottom line -- check your transfer case before your sitting on the roadside (this happened in my '97 manual)